July 6, 2009

Panic at the Disco Parts Ways

By James Montgomery (MTV.com)

Ryan Ross and Jon Walker have walked out on Panic at the Disco. This announcement appeared on the band's official website on Monday (July 6). Speculation is rife that creative differences between the band members led to the split.

"Though the four of us have made music together in the past, we've creatively evolved in different directions, which has compromised what each of us want to personally achieve," the statement read in part. "Over the years, we have remained close and honest with each other, which helped us to realize that our goals were different and that parting ways is truly what is best for each of us. We are all excited for the future, you should be too."

According to the statement, Urie and Smith will continue making music under the monkier Panic at the Disco. The band will nonetheless keep their dates on the Blink-182 tour, though it is not known who will replace Ross on guitar and Walker on bass. The statement also says Panic's new album is still on schedule.

However, hours after news of the split broke, Urie and Smith made a comment of their own, by way of a second online statement wishing Ross and Walker well. They promised Panic fans that the band they loved was going to stick around

"We just wanted to let you know that the news of Ryan and Jon leaving the band is unfortunately true. It's been an amazing journey being in a band with them, but sometimes individual tastes take friends in different directions, and you can't ignore it. They are some of the most talented guys we know, and we're sure that whatever they do next will be great," the statement read.

"That said, Panic at the Disco is alive and very, very well. We are working on new songs that we are excited for you to hear. Our dates with Blink and Fall Out Boy start in a little less than a month, and we wouldn't miss those for the world. We know everybody has a lot of questions at this point with everything being so out of the blue, most of those should be answered in the coming weeks. We appreciate every one of you, and hope you continue with us on this incredible ride.".

Ross formed Panic at the Disco with Smith in 2004, and the duo soon added Urie and original bassist Brent Wilson to the mix. Their debut album, A Fever You Can't Sweat Out, was released the following year and sold more than 2.2 million copies worldwide. Just as Panic were about to launch their first-ever headlining tour, they parted ways with Wilson under less-than-amicable circumstances, and replaced him with Walker. In 2008, they released Pretty. Odd., an album that didn't sell as well as their debut but earned them newfound critical praise.